Oceanside CA— The North San Diego County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) honored MiraCosta College Service Learning Coordinator Beatriz Palmer during the 3^rd Annual Salute to Women of Color Awards Breakfast, held March 11 at the QLN Convention Center in Oceanside. The Salute to Women of Color Award is designed to honor women who, through their professional or personal efforts, make a significant impact in the lives of others.
Palmer heads up MiraCosta College’s Service Learning Program. Service learning is a form of experiential education that pairs academic instruction with community service. Students learn through participation in thoughtfully organized service activities that are course relevant and meet actual community needs. Each semester, approximately 60 courses at MiraCosta College offer a service component either as an option or a requirement. Students are placed in non-profit organizations and public schools where they provide a variety of support services. These placements allow students to apply course theory in real world settings while making valuable community contributions. The Service Learning & Volunteer Center also houses an emergency food pantry, available to current MiraCosta College students.
“I am so blessed to be able to work at MiraCosta College,” said Palmer. “Every day I get to share with college students the benefits of serving others through their academics, passions, talents, and skills. The work that I do alone does not compare to what students can do collectively.”
Every year since its inception three years ago, a MiraCosta College employee has been honored by the local NAACP for their contributions. Superintendent/President Sunny Cooke, Dean Wendy Stewart, and Associate Dean Cynthia Rice Carroll are previous honorees.
The mission of the North San Diego County NAACP is to empower underserved community members with the knowledge to improve their social and economic status through advocacy, human and civil rights services.
For more information about the Service Learning Program, contact Palmer at bpalmer@miracosta.edu or call 760.795.6616.